Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Petitioner, V. Fitness by Design, Inc., Respondent.

G.R. No. 215957, November 09, 2016 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v.
FITNESS BY
DESIGN, INC., Respondent
SECOND DIVISION
G.R. No. 215957, November 09, 2016
COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. FITNESS BY DESIGN, INC., Respondent.
DECISION
LEONEN, J.:
To avail of the extraordinary period of assessment in Section 222(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code,
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue should show that the facts upon which the fraud is based is
communicated to the taxpayer. The burden of proving that the facts exist in any subsequent proceeding is
with the Commissioner. Furthermore, the Final Assessment Notice is not valid if it does not contain a definite
due date for payment by the taxpayer.
This resolves a Petition for Review on Certiorari1 filed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, which
assails the Decision2 dated July 14, 2014 and Resolution3 dated December 16, 2014 of the Court of Tax
Appeals. The Court of Tax Appeals En Banc affirmed the Decision of the First Division, which declared the
assessment issued against Fitness by Design, Inc. (Fitness) as invalid.4
On April 11, 1996, Fitness filed its Annul Income Tax Return for the taxable year of 1995.5 According to
Fitness, it was still in its pre-operating stage during the covered period.6
On June 9, 2004, Fitness received a copy of the Final Assessment Notice dated March 17, 2004.7 The Final
Assessment Notice was issued under Letter of Authority No. 00002953.8 The Final Assessment Notice
assessed that Fitness had a tax deficiency in the amount of P10,647,529.69.9 It provides:
chanRoble svirtual Lawlib ra ry
FINAL ASSESSMENT NOTICE
March 17, 2004
FITNESS BY DESIGN, INC

169 Aguirre St., BF Homes,
Paranaque City
Gentlemen:
Please be informed that after investigation of your Internal revenue Tax Liabilities for the year 1995
pursuant to Letter of Authority No. 000029353 dated May 13, 2002, there has been found due deficiency
taxes as shown hereunder:
Assessment No. __________
Income Tax
Taxable Income
P
per return
Add: Unreported
7, 156,336.08
Sales
Taxable Income
7, 156,336.08
per audit
Tax Due (35%) 2,504,717.63
Add: Surcharge P
(50%) 1,252,358.81
Interest (20%/
annum) until 4- 4,508,491.73 5,760,850.54
15-04
Deficiency P
Income Tax 8,265,568.17
Value Added Tax
Unreported
7, 156,336.08
Sales
Output Tax
715,633.61
(10%)
Add: Surcharge
P 357,816.80
(50%)
Interest
(20%/
1,303,823.60 1,661,640.41
annum) until
4-15-04
P
Deficiency VAT
2,377,274.02
Documentary
Stamp Tax
Subscribe
P 375,000.00
Capital Stock
DST due (2/200) 3,750.00
Add: Surcharge
937.50
(25%)
Deficiency DST P 4,687.50
Total
P
Deficiency
10,647,529.69
Taxes
The complete details covering the aforementioned discrepancies established during the investigation of this
case are shown in the accompanying Annex 1 of this Notice. The 50% surcharge and 20% interest have
been imposed pursuant to Sections 248 and 249(B) of the [National Internal Revenue Code], as
amended. Please note, however, that the interest and the total amount due will have to be
adjusted if paid prior or beyond April 15, 2004.
In view thereof, you are requested to pay your aforesaid deficiency internal revenue taxes liabilities through
the duly authorized agent bank in which you are enrolled within the time shown in the enclosed assessment
notice.10 (Emphasis in the original)
ChanRob les Vi rtualaw lib rary
Fitness filed a protest to the Final Assessment Notice on June 25, 2004. According to Fitness, the
Commissioner's period to assess had already prescribed. Further, the assessment was without basis since
the company was only incorporated on May 30, 1995.11
On February 2, 2005, the Commissioner issued a Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy with Reference No. OCN
WDL-95-05-005 dated February 1, 2005 to Fitness.12
Fitness filed before the First Division of the Court of Tax Appeals a Petition for Review (With Motion to
Suspend Collection of Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Documentary Stamp Tax and Surcharges and
Interests) on March 1, 2005.13
On May 17, 2005, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue filed an Answer to Fitness' Petition and raised
special and affirmative defenses.14 The Commissioner posited that the Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy was
issued in accordance with law.15 The Commissioner claimed that its right to assess had not yet prescribed
under Section 222(a)16 of the National Internal Revenue Code.17 Because the 1995 Income Tax Return filed
by Fitness was false and fraudulent for its alleged intentional failure to reflect its true sales, Fitness'
respective taxes may be assessed at any time within 10 years from the discovery of fraud or omission.18
The Commissioner asserted further that the assessment already became final and executory for Fitness'
failure to file a protest within the reglementary period.19 The Commissioner denied that there was a protest
to the Final Assessment Notice filed by Fitness on June 25, 2004.20 According to the Commissioner, the
alleged protest was "nowhere to be found in the [Bureau of Internal Revenue] Records nor reflected in the
Record Book of the Legal Division as normally done by [itsr receiving clerk when she received [sic] any
document."21 Therefore, the Commissioner had sufficient basis to collect the tax deficiency through the
Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy.22
The alleged fraudulent return was discovered through a tip from a confidential informant.23 The revenue
officers' investigation revealed that Fitness had been operating business with sales operations amounting to
P7,156,336.08 in 1995, which it neglected tq report in its income tax return.24 Fitness' failure to report its
income resulted in deficiencies to its income tax and value-added tax of P8,265,568.17 and P2,377,274.02
respectively, as well as the documentary stamp tax with regard to capital stock subscription.25 c ralawre d
Through the report, the revenue officers recommended the filing of a civil case for collection of taxes and a
criminal case for failure to declare Fitness' purported sales in its 1995 Income Tax Return.26 Hence, a
criminal complaint against Fitness was filed before the Department of Justice.27
The Court of Tax Appeals First Division granted Fitness' Petition on the ground that the assessment has
already prescribed.28 It cancelled and set aside the Final Assessment Notice dated March 17, 2004 as well as
the Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy issued by the C mmissioner.29 It ruled that the Final Assessment Notice
is invalid for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 22830 of the National Internal Revenue Code.
The dispositive portion of the Decision reads:
WHEREFORE, the Petition for Review dated February 24, 2005 filed by petitioner Fitness by Design, Inc., is
hereby GRANTED. Accordingly, the Final Assessment Notice dated March 17, 2004, finding petitioner liable
for deficiency income tax, documentary stamp tax and value-added tax for taxable year 1995 in the total
amount of P10,647,529.69 is hereby CANCELLED and SET ASIDE. The Warrant of Distraint and Levy dated
February 1, 2005 is likewise CANCELLED and SET ASIDE.
SO ORDERED.31 (Emphasis in the original) Cha nRobles Vi rtua lawlib rary
The Commissioner's Motion for Reconsideration and its Supplemental Motion for Reconsideration were
denied by the Court of Tax Appeals First Division.32
Aggrieved, the Commissioner filed an appeal before the Court of Tax Appeals En Banc.33 The Commissioner
asserted that it had 10 years to make an assessment due to the fraudulent income tax return filed by
Fitness.34 It also claimed that the assessment already attained finality due to Fitness' failure to file its
protest within the period provided by law.35
Fitness argued that the Final Assessment Notice issued to it could not be claimed as a valid deficiency
assessment that could justify the issuance of a warrant of distraint and/or levy.36 It asserted that it was a
mere request for payment as it did not provide the period within which to pay the alleged liabilities.37
The Court of Tax Appeals En Banc ruled in favor of Fitness. It affirmed the Decision of the Court of Tax
Appeals First Division, thus:
WHEREFORE, the instant Petition for Review is DENIED for lack of merit. Accordingly, both the Decision
and Resolution in CTA Case No. 7160 dated July 10, 2012 and November 21, 2012 respectively
are AFFIRMED in toto.38 (Emphasis in the original) ChanRob les Virtualawl ibra ry
The Commissioner's Motion for Reconsideration was denied by the Court of Tax Appeals En Banc in the
Resolution39 dated December 16, 2014.
Hence, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue filed before this Court a Petition for Review.
Petitioner Commissioner of Internal Revenue raises the sole issue of whether the Final Assessment Notice
issued against respondent Fitness by Design, Inc. is a valid assessment under Section 228 of the National
Internal Revenue Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99.40
Petitioner argues that the Final Assessment Notice issued to respondent is valid since it complies with
Section 228 of the National Internal Revenue Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99.41 The law states
that the taxpayer shall be informed in writing of the facts, jurisprudence, and law on which the assessment
is based.42 Nothing in the law provides that due date for payment is a substantive requirement for the
validity of a final assessment notice.43
Petitioner further claims that a perusal of the Final Assessment Notice shows that April 15, 2004 is the due
date for payment.44 The pertinent portion of the assessment reads:
been imposed pursuant to Sections 248 and 249(B) of the [National Internal Revenue Code], as amended.
Please note, however, that the interest and the total amount due will have to be adjusted if paid prior or
beyond April 15, 2004.45(Emphasis supplied) ChanRob les Vi rtualaw lib rary
This Court, through the Resolution46 dated July 22, 2015, required respondent to comment on the Petition
for Review.
In its Comment,47 respondent argues that the Final Assessment Notice issued was merely a request and not
a demand for payment of tax liabilities.48 The Final Assessment Notice cannot be considered as a final
deficiency assessment because it deprived respondent of due process when it failed to reflect its fixed tax
liabilities.49 Moreover, it also gave respondent an indefinite period to pay its tax liabilities.50
Respondent points out that an assessment should strictly comply with the law for its validity.51Jurisprudence
provides that "not all documents coming from the [Bureau of Internal Revenue] containing a computation of
the tax liability can be deemed assessments[,] which can attain finality."52 Therefore, the Warrant of
Distraint and/or Levy cannot be enforced since it is based on an invalid assessment.53
Respondent likewise claims that since the Final Assessment Notice was allegedly based on fraud, it must
show the details of the fraudulent acts imputed to it as part of due process.54 chanro blesvi rt uallawl ibra ry
The Petition has no merit.
An assessment "refers to the determination of amounts due from a person obligated to make
payments."55 "In the context of national internal revenue collection, it refers to the determination of the
taxes due from a taxpayer under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997."56
The assessment process starts with the filing of tax return and payment of tax by the taxpayer.57 The initial
assessment evidenced by the tax return is a self-assessment of the taxpayer.58 The tax is primarily
computed and voluntarily paid by the taxpayer without need of any demand from govemment.59 If tax
obligations are properly paid, the Bureau of Internal Revenue may dispense with its own assessment.60
After filing a return, the Commissioner or his or her representative may allow the examination of any
taxpayer for assessment of proper tax liability.61 The failure of a taxpayer to file his or her return will not
hinder the Commissioner from permitting the taxpayer's examination.62 The Commissioner can examine
records or other data relevant to his or her inquiry in order to verify the correctness of any return, or to
make a return in case of noncompliance, as well as to determine and collect tax liability.63
The indispensability of affording taxpayers sufficient written notice of his or her tax liability is a clear definite
requirement.64 Section 228 of the National Internal Revenue Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99, as
amended, transparently outline the procedure in tax assessment.65
Section 3 of Revenue Regulations No. 12-99,66 the then prevailing regulation regarding the due process
requirement in the issuance of a deficiency tax assessment, requires a notice for informal conference.67The
revenue officer who audited the taxpayer's records shall state in his or her report whether the taxpayer
concurs with his or her findings of liability for deficiency taxes.68 If the taxpayer does not agree, based on
the revenue officer's report, the taxpayer shall be informed in writing69 of the discrepancies in his or her
payment of internal revenue taxes for "Informal Conference."70 The informal conference gives the taxpayer
an opportunity to present his or her side of the case.71
The taxpayer is given 15 days from receipt of the notice of informal conference to respond.72 If the taxpayer
fails to respond, he or she will be considered in default.73 The revenue officer74 endorses the case with the
least possible delay to the Assessment Division of the Revenue Regional Office or the Commissioner or his or
her authorized representative.75 The Assessment Division of the Revenue Regional Office or the
Commissioner or his or her authorized representative is responsible for the "appropriate review and issuance
of a deficiency tax assessment, if warranted."76
If, after the review conducted, there exists sufficient basis to assess the taxpayer with deficiency taxes, the
officer shall issue a preliminary assessment notice showing in detail the facts, jurisprudence, and law on
which the assessment is based.77 The taxpayer is given 15 days from receipt of the pre-assessment notice
to respond.78 If the taxpayer fails to respond, he or she will be considered in default, and a formal letter of
demand and assessment notice will be issued.79
The formal letter of demand and assessment notice shall state the facts, jurisprudence, and law on which
the assessment was based; otherwise, these shall be void.80 The taxpayer or the authorized representative
may administratively protest the formal letter of demand and assessment notice within 30 days from receipt
of the notice.81chanro blesvi rt uallawl ibra ry
II
The word "shall" in Section 228 of the National Internal Revenue Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99
means the act of informing the taxpayer of both the legal and factual bases of the assessment is
mandatory.82 The law requires that the bases be reflected in the formal letter of demand and assessment
notice.83 This cannot be presumed.84 Otherwise, the express mandate of Section 228 and Revenue
Regulations No. 12-99 would be nugatory.85 The requirement enables the taxpayer to make an effective
protest or appeal of the assessment or decision.86
The rationale behind the requirement that taxpayers should be informed of the facts and the law on which
the assessments are based conforms with the constitutional mandate that no person shall be deprived of his
or her property without due process of law.87 Between the power of the State to tax and an individual's right
to due process, the scale favors the right of the taxpayer to due process.88
The purpose of the written notice requirement is to aid the taxpayer in making a reasonable protest, if
necessary.89 Merely notifying the taxpayer of his or her tax liabilities without details or particulars is not
enough.90
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. United Salvage and Towage (Phils.), Inc.91 held that a final assessment
notice that only contained a table of taxes with no other details was insufficient:
In the present case, a mere perusal of the [Final Assessment Notice] for the deficiency EWT for taxable year
1994 will show that other than a tabulation of the alleged deficiency taxes due, no further detail regarding
the assessment was provided by petitioner. Only the resulting interest, surcharge and penalty were
anchored with legal basis. Petitioner should have at least attached a detailed notice of discrepancy or stated
an explanation why the amount of P48,461.76 is collectible against respondent and how the same was
arrived at.92 ChanRobles Vi rtua lawlib rary
Any deficiency to the mandated content of the assessment or its process will not be
tolerated.93 In Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Enron,94 an advice of tax deficiency from the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue to an employee of Enron, including the preliminary five (5)-day letter,
were not considered valid substitutes for the mandatory written notice of the legal and factual basis of the
assessment.95 The required issuance of deficiency tax assessment notice to the taxpayer is different from
the required contents of the notice.96 Thus:
The law requires that the legal and factual bases of the assessment be stated in the forma letter of demand
and assessment notice. Thus, such cannot be presumed. Otherwise, the express provisions of Article 228 of
the [National Internal Revenue Code] and [Revenue Regulations] No. 12-99 would be rendered
nugatory. The alleged "factual bases" in the advice, preliminary letter and "audit working papers" did not
suffice. There was no going around the mandate of the law that the legal and factual bases of the
assessment be stated in writinin the formal letter of demand accompanying the assessment
notice.97(Emphasis supplied) ChanRobles Vi rtualaw lib rary
However, the mandate of giving the taxpayer a notice of the facts and laws on which the assessments are
based should not be mechanically applied.98 To emphasize, the purpose of this requirement is to sufficiently
inform the taxpayer of the bases for the assessment to enable him or her to make an intelligent protest.99
In Samar-I Electric Cooperative v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue,100 substantial compliance with Section
228 of the National Internal Revenue Code is allowed, provided that the taxpayer would be later apprised in
writing of the factual and legal bases of the assessment to enable him or her to prepare for an effective
protest.101 Thus:
Although the [Final Assessment Notice] and demand letter issued to petitioner were not accompanied by a
written explanation of the legal and factual bases of the deficiency taxes assessed against the petitioner, the
records showed that respondent in its letter dated April 10, 2003 responded to petitioner's October 14, 2002
letter-protest, explaining at length the factual and legal bases of the deficiency tax assessments and
denying the protest.
Considering the foregoing exchange of correspondence and documents between the parties, we find that the
requirement of Section 228 was substantially complied with. Respondent had fully informed petitioner in
writing of the factual and legal bases of the deficiency taxes assessment, which enabled the latter to file an
"effective" protest, much unlike the taxpayer's situation in Enron. Petitioner's right to due process was thus
not violated.102 ChanRobles Vi rt ualawlib ra ry
A final assessment notice provides for the amount of tax due with a demand for payment.103 This is to
determine the amount of tax due to a taxpayer.104 However, due process requires that taxpayers be
informed in writing of the facts and law on which the assessment is based in order to aid the taxpayer in
making a reasonable protest.105 To immediately ensue with tax collection without initially substantiating a
valid assessment contravenes the principle in administrative investigations "that tax ayers should be able to
present their case and adduce supporting evidence."106
Respondent filed its income tax return in 1995.107 Almost eight (8) years passed before the disputed final
assessment notice was issued. Respondent pleaded prescription as its defense when it filed a protest to the
Final Assessment Notice. Petitioner claimed fraud assessment to justify the belated assessment made on
respondent.108 If fraud was indeed present, the period of assessment should be within 10 years.109 It is
incumbent upon petitioner to clearly state the allegations of fraud committed by respondent to serve the
purpose of an assessment notice to aid respondent in filing an effective protest. chanrob lesvi rtua llawlib ra ry
III
The prescriptive period in making an assessment depends upon whether a tax return was filed or whether
the tax return filed was either false or fraudulent. When a tax return that is neither false nor fraudulent has
been filed, the Bureau of Internal Revenue may assess within three (3) years, reckoned from the date of
actual filing or from the last day prescribed by law for filing.110 However, in case of a false or fraudulent
return with intent to evade tax, Section 222(a) provides:
Section 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment and Collection of Taxes. -
(a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade tax or of failure to file a return, the tax
may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be filed without assessment,
at any time within ten (10) years after the discovery of the falsity, fraud or omission: Provided, That in a
fraud assessment which has become final and executory, the fact of fraud shall be judicially taken
cognizance of in the civil or criminal action for the collection thereof. (Emphasis supplied) ChanRoble sVirt ualawli bra ry
In Aznar v. Court of Tax Appeals,111 this Court interpreted Section 332112 (now Section 222[a] of the
National Internal Revenue Code) by dividing it in three (3) different cases: first, in case of false return;
second, in case of a fraudulent return with intent to evade; and third, in case of failure to file a
return.113Thus:
Our stand that the law should be interpreted to mean a separation of the three different situations of false
return, fraudulent return with intent to evade tax and failure to file a return is strengthened immeasurably
by the last portion of the provision which aggregates the situations into three different classes, namely
"falsity", "fraud" and "omission."114 ChanRoblesVirt ualawli bra ry
This Court held that there is a difference between "false return" and a "fraudulent return."115 A false return
simply involves a "deviation from the truth, whether intentional or not" while a fraudulent return "implies
intentional or deceitful entry with intent to evade the taxes due."116
Fraud is a question of fact that should be alleged and duly proven.117 "The willful neglect to file the required
tax return or the fraudulent intent to evade the payment of taxes, considering that the same is accompanied
by legal consequences, cannot be presumed."118 Fraud entails corresponding sanctions under the tax law.
Therefore, it is indispensable for the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to include the basis for its
allegations of fraud in the assessment notice.
During the proceedings in the Court of Tax Appeals First Division, respondent presented its President,
Domingo C. Juan Jr. (Juan, Jr.), as witness.119 Juan, Jr. testified that respondent was in its pre-operating
stage in 1995.120 During that period, respondent "imported equipment and distributed them for market
testing in the Philippines without earning any profit."121 He also confirmed that the Final Assessment Notice
and its attachments failed to substantiate the Commissioner's allegations of fraud against respondent, thus:
More than three (3) years from the time petitioner filed its 1995 annual income tax return on April 11, 1996,
respondent issued to petitioner a [Final Assessment Notice] dated March 17, 2004 for the year 1995,
pursuant to the Letter of Authority No. 00002953 dated May 13, 2002. The attached Details of discrepancy
containing the assessment for income tax (IT), value-added tax (VAT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) as
well as the Audit Result/Assessment Notice do not impute fraud on the part of petitioner. Moreover, it was
obtained on information and documents illegally obtained by a [Bureau of Internal Revenue] informant from
petitioner's accountant Elnora Carpio in 1996.122 (Emphasis supplied) ChanRoble sVirt ualawli bra ry
Petitioner did not refute respondent's allegations. For its defense, it presented Socrates Regala (Regala), the
Group Supervisor of the team, who examined respondent's tax liabilities.123 Regala confirmed that the
investigation was prompted by a tip from an informant who provided them with respondent's list of
sales.124 He admitted125 that the gathered information did not show that respondent deliberately failed to
reflect its true income in 1995.126
chan roble svirtuallaw lib rary
IV
The issuance of a valid formal assessment is a substantive prerequisite for collection of taxes.127 Neither the
National Internal Revenue Code nor the revenue regulations provide for a "specific definition or form of an
assessment." However, the National Internal Revenue Code defines its explicit functions and effects.128 An
assessment does not only include a computation of tax liabilities; it also includes a demand for payment
within a period prescribed.129 Its main purpose is to determine the amount that a taxpayer is liable to pay.130
A pre-assessment notice "do[es] not bear the gravity of a formal assessment notice."131 A pre-assessment
notice merely gives a tip regarding the Bureau of Internal Revenue's findings against a taxpayer for an
informal conference or a clarificatory meeting.132
A final assessment is a notice "to the effect that the amount therein stated is due as tax and a demand for
payment thereof."133 This demand for payment signals the time "when penalties and interests begin to
accrue against the taxpayer and enabling the latter to determine his remedies[.]"134 Thus, it must be "sent
to and received by the taxpayer, and must demand payment of the taxes described therein within a specific
period."135
The disputed Final Assessment Notice is not a valid assessment.
First, it lacks the definite amount of tax liability for which respondent is accountable. It does not purport to
be a demand for payment of tax due, which a final assessment notice should supposedly be. An assessment,
in the context of the National Internal Revenue Code, is a "written notice and demand made by the [Bureau
of Internal Revenue] on the taxpayer for the settlement of a due tax liability that is there definitely set and
fixed."136 Although the disputed notice provides for the computations of respondent's tax liability, the
amount remains indefinite. It only provides that the tax due is still subject to modification, depending on the
date of payment. Thus:
been imposed pursuant to Sections 248 and 249 (B) of the [National Internal Revenue Code], as amended.
Please note, however, that the interest and the total amount due will have to be adjusted if prior or beyond
April 15, 2004.137(Emphasis Supplied) ChanRob les Virtualawl ibra ry
Second, there are no due dates in the Final Assessment Notice. This negates petitioner's demand for
payment.138 Petitioner's contention that April 15, 2004 should be regarded as the actual due date cannot be
accepted. The last paragraph of the Final Assessment Notice states that the due dates for payment were
supposedly reflected in the attached assessment:
In view thereof, you are requested to pay your aforesaid deficiency internal revenue tax liabilities through
the duly authorized agent bank in which ou are enrolled within the time shown in the enclosed assessment
notice.139 (Emphasis in the original)
Cha nRobles Vi rtua lawlib rary
However, based on the findings of the Court of Tax Appeals First Division, the enclosed assessment
pertained to remained unaccomplished.140
Contrary to petitioner's view, April 15, 2004 was the reckoning date of accrual of penalties and surcharges
and not the due date for payment of tax liabilities. The total amount depended upon when respondent
decides to pay. The notice, therefore, did not contain a definite and actual demand to pay.
Compliance with Section 228 of the National Internal Revenue Code is a substantive requirement.141 It is not
a mere formality.142 Providing the taxpayer with the factual and legal bases for the assessment is crucial
before proceeding with tax collection. Tax collection should be premised on a valid assessment, which would
allow the taxpayer to present his or her case and produce evidence for substantiation.143
The Court of Tax Appeals did not err in cancelling the Final Assessment Notice as well as the Audit
Result/Assessment Notice issued by petitioner to respondent for the year 1995 covering the "alleged
deficiency income tax, value-added tax and documentary stamp tax amounting to P10,647,529.69, inclusive
of surcharges and interest"144 for lack of due process. Thus, the Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy is void
since an invalid assessment bears no valid effect.145
Taxes are the lifeblood of government and should be collected without hindrance.146 However, the collection
of taxes should be exercised "reasonably and in accordance with the prescribed procedure."147
The essential nature of taxes for the existence of the State grants government with vast remedies to ensure
its collection. However, taxpayers are guaranteed their fundamental right to due process of law, as
articulated in various ways in the process of tax assessment. After all, the State's purpose is to ensure the
well-being of its citizens, not simply to deprive them of their fundamental rights.
WHEREFORE, the Petition is DENIED. The Decision of the Court of Tax Appeals En Banc dated July 14,
2014 and Resolution dated December 16, 2014 in CTA EB Case No. 970 (CTA Case No. 7160) are
hereby AFFIRMED.
SO ORDERED. cralawlawlibra ry
Carpio, (Chairperson), Brion, and Del Castillo, JJ., concur.

Mendoza, J., on official leave.
Endnotes:
1
The Petition was filed under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.
2
Rollo, pp. 32-49. The Decision was penned by Associate Justice Juanito Castañeda, Jr. and concurred in by
Associate Justices Roman G. Del Rosario, Lovell R. Bautista, Erlinda P. Uy, Caesar A. Casanova, Esperanza
R. Fabon-Victorino, Cielito N. Mindaro-Grulla, Amelia R. Cotangco-Manalastas, and Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-
Liban.
3
Id. at 53-57. The Resolution was penned by Associate Justice Juanito Castañeda, Jr. and concurred in by
Associate Justices Roman G. Del Rosario, Lovell R. Bautista, Erlinda P. Uy, Caesar A. Casanova, Esperanza
R. Fabon-Victorino, Cielito N. Mindaro-Grulla, Amelia R. Cotangco-Manalastas, and Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-
Liban.
4
Id. at 48, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision.
5
Id. at 33.
6
Id.
7
Id. at 34.
8
Id. at 36.
9
Id. at 34.
10
Id. at 12-13, Petition for Review. The Annex referred to in the Final Assessment Notice was not attached
to the records of the case. However, based on the testimony of Fitness' President, Domingo C. Juan, "[t]he
attached details of discrepancy containing the assessment for income tax (IT), valueadded tax (VAT) and
documentary stamp tax (DST) as well as, the Audit Result/Assessment Notices do not impute fraud on the
part of petitioner" (Id. at 37, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision).
11
Id.
12
Id.
13
Id.
14
Id.
15
Id.
16
TAX CODE, sec. 222(a) provides:
Section 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment and Collection of Taxes.
(a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade tax or of failure to file a return, the tax
may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be filed without assessment, at
any time within ten (10) years after the discovery of the falsity, fraud or omission: Provided, That in a fraud
assessment which has become final and executory, the fact of fraud shall be judicially taken cognizance of in
the civil or criminal action for the collection thereof.
17
Rollo, p. 35, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision.
18
Id.
19
Id.
20
Id.
21
Id.
22
Id.
23
Id. at 39.
24
Id. at 35.
25
cralaw red Id. at 38.
26
Id. at 39.
27
Id.
28
Id. at 67, Petition for Review of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue before the Court of Tax Appeals En
Banc.
29
30
TAX CODE, sec. 228 provides:
Section 228. Protesting of Assessment. - When the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative finds
that proper taxes should be assessed, he shall first notify the taxpayer of his findings: Provided, however,
That a pre assessment notice shall not be required in the following cases:
(a) When the finding for any deficiency tax is the result of mathematical
error in the computation of the tax as appearing on the face of the
return; or
(b) When a discrepancy has been determined between the tax withheld and
the amount actually remitted by the withholding agent; or
(c) When a taxpayer who opted to claim a refund or tax credit of excess
creditable withholding tax for a taxable period was determined to have
carried over and automatically applied the same amount claimed
against the estimated tax liabilities for the taxable quarter or quarters
of the succeeding taxable year; or
(d) When the excise tax due on excisable articles has not been paid; or
(e) When an article locally purchased or imported by an exempt person,

such as, but not limited to, vehicles, capital equipment, machineries
and spare parts, has been sold, traded or transferred to non-exempt
persons.
The taxpayers shall be informed in writing of the law and he facts on which the assessment is
made; otherwise, the assessment shall be void.
Within a period to be prescribed by implementing rules and regulations, the taxpayer shall be required to
respond to said notice. If the taxpayer fails to respond, the Commissioner or his duly authorized
representative shall issue an assessment based on his findings.
Such assessment may be protested administratively by filing a request for reconsideration or reinvestigation
within thirty (30) days from receipt of the assessment in such form and manner as may be prescribed by
implementing rules and regulations. Within sixty (60) days from filing of the protest, all relevant supporting
documents shall have been submitted; otherwise, the assessment shall become final.
If the protest is denied in whole or in part, or is not acted upon within one hundred eighty (180) days from
submission of documents, the taxpayer adversely affected by the decision or inaction may appeal to the
Court of Tax Appeals within thirty (30) days from receipt of the said decision, or from the lapse of the one
hundred eighty (180)-day period; otherwise, the decision shall become final, executory and demandable.
31
Rollo, pp. 32-33, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision.
32
Id. at 40.
33
Id.
34
Id. at 41.
35
Id.
36
Id.
37
Id.
38
Id. at 48.
39
Id. at 53-57.
40
Implementing the Provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 Governing the Rules on
Assessment of National Internal Revenue Taxes, Civil Penalties and Interest and the Extra-Judicial
Settlement of a Taxpayer's Criminal Violation of the Code Through Payment of a Suggested Compromise
Penalty (1999).
BIR Revenue Reg. No. 12-99, sec. 3.1.4 provides:
SECTION 3. Due Process Requirement in the Issuance of a Deficiency Tax Assessment
....
3.1.4 Formal Letter of Demand and Assessment Notice. - The formal letter of demand and assessment
notice shall be issued by the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative. The letter of demand
calling for payment of the taxpayer's deficiency tax or taxes shall state the facts, the law, rules and
regulations, or jurisprudence on which the assessment is based, otherwise, the forma/letter of demand and
assessment notice shall be void (Emphasis supplied).
41
Rollo, p. 16, Petition for Review.
42
Id. at 18.
43
Id.
44
Id. at 20.
45
Id. at 13.
46
Id. at 87.
47
Id. at 90-101.
48
Id. at 91.
49
Id.
50
Id.
51
Id.
52
Id.
53
Id. at 92.
54
Id. at 97.
55
SMI-ED Phil. Technology, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 175410, November 12, 2014
<http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2014/november2014/175410.pdf> 5
[Per J. Leonen, Second Division]
56
Id.
57
TAX CODE, sec. 56(A) provides:
Section 56. Payment and Assessment of Income Tax for Individuals and Corporations.
A) Payment of Tax. -
(1) In General. - The total amount of tax imposed by this Title shall be paid
by the person subject thereto at the time the return is filed. In the case
of tramp vessels, the shipping agents and/or the husbanding agents,
and in their absence, the captains thereof are required to file the return
herein provided and pay the tax due thereon before their departure.
Upon failure of the said agents or captains to file the return and pay the
tax, the Bureau of Customs is hereby authorized to hold the vessel and
prevent its departure until proof of payment of the tax is presented or a
sufficient bond is filed to answer for the tax due.
(2) Installment Payment. - When the tax due is in excess of Two thousand
pesos (P2,000), the taxpayer other than a corporation may elect to pay
the tax in two (2) equal installments in which case, the first installment
shall be paid at the time the return is filed and the second installment,
on or before July 15 following the close of the calendar year. If any
installment is not paid on or before the date fixed for its payment, the
whole amount of the tax unpaid becomes due and payable, together
with the delinquency penalties.
(3) Payment of Capital Gains Tax. - The total amount of tax imposed and
prescribed under Sections 24(C), 24(D), 27(E)(2), 28(A)(8)(c) and
28(B)(5)(c) shall be paid on the date the return prescribed therefor is
filed by the person liable thereto: Provided, That if the seller submits
proof of his intention to avail himself of the benefit of exemption of
capital gains under existing special laws, no such payments shall be
required: Provided, further, That in case of failure to qualify for
exemption under such special laws and implementing rules and
regulations, the tax due on the gains realized from the original
transaction shall immediately become due and payable, and subject to
the penalties prescribed under applicable provisions of this
Code: Provided, finally, That if the seller, having paid the tax, submits
such proof of intent within six (6) months from the registration of the
document transferring the real property, he shall be entitled to a refund
of such tax upon verification of his compliance with the requirements
for such exemption.
In case the taxpayer elects and is qualified to report the gain by

installments under Section 49 of this Code, the tax due from each
installment payment shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the
receipt of such payments.
No registration of any document transferring real property shall be

effected by the Register of Deeds unless the Commissioner or his duly
authorized representative has certified that such transfer has been
reported, and the tax herein imposed, if any, has been paid.
58
SMI-ED Phil. Technology, Inc. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, G.R. No. 175410, November 12, 2014
[Per J. Leonen, Second Division]
59
Id.
60
Id.
61
TAX CODE, sec. 6(A).
62
63
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Liquigaz Philippines Corp., G.R. Nos. 215534 & 215557, April 18,
64
2016 <sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/april2016/215534.pdf> 7 [Per J.

Mendoza, Second Division]
65
Id.
66
On November 28, 2013, Revenue Regulations No. 18-2013 was enacted amending Certain Sections of
Revenue Regulations No. 12-99 relative to the Due Process Requirement in the Issuance of a Deficiency Tax
Assessment. The scope of the law provides that under the provisions of Section 244, in relation to Section
245 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, these Regulations are promulgated to amend
provisions of Revenue Regulations No. 12-99.
BIR Revenue Reg. No. 18-2013, sec. 2 provides:
Section 2. Amendment. Section 3 of RR 12-99 is hereby amended by deleting Section 3.1.1 thereof which
provides for the preparation of a Notice of Informal Conference, thereby renumbering other provisions
thereof, and prescribing other provisions for the assessment of tax liabilities.
67
BIR Revenue Reg. No. 12-99, sec. 3.1.1.
68
69
BIR Revenue Reg. No. 12-99, sec. 3.1.1 provides that either the Revenue District Office or the Special
Investigation Division, as the case may be (in the case of Revenue Regional Offices) or the Chief of Division
concerned (in the case of the BIR National Office) may inform the taxpayer of his or her discrepancies.
70
71
72
73
74
Revenue Reg. No. 12-99, sec. 3.1.1 provides that in case of default, the "Revenue District Officer or the
Chief of the Special Investigation Division of the Revenue Regional Office, or the Chief of Division in the
National Office" shall endorse the case to the Assessment Division.
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
2016 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/apri12016/215534.pdf>
[Per J. Mendoza, Second Division]; Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Enron Subic Power Corp., 596 Phil.
229 (2009) [Per J. Corona, First Division]; Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. United Salvage and Towage
(Phils), Inc., 738 Phil. 335 (2014) [Per J. Peralta, Third Division].
83
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Enron Subic Power Corp., 596 Phil. 229, 235 (2009) [Per J. Corona,
First Division].
84
Id.
85
Id.
86
2016 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/april2016/215534.pdf> 14
[Per J. Mendoza, Second Division]
87
Id.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Metro Star Superama, Inc., 652 Phil. 172, 187 (2010) [Per J.
88
Mendoza, Second Division].
89
90
Id., citing Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Reyes, 516 Phil. 176, 186-190 (2006) [Per C.J.
Panganiban, First Division].
91
738 Phil. 335 (2014) [Per J. Peralta, Third Division]
92
Id. at 349-350.
93
2016 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/apri12016/215534.pdf>
[Per J. Mendoza, Second Division], citing Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. United Salvage and Towage
(Phils), Inc., 738 Phil. 335 (2014) [Per J. Peralta, Third Division], in turn citing Commissioner of Internal
Revenue v. Enron Subic Power Corp., 596 Phil. 229 (2009) [Per J. Corona, First Division].
94
596 Phil. 229 (2009) [Per J. Corona, First Division].
95
Id. at 235-236.
96
Id. at 236.
97
Id.
98
2016 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/april2016/215534.pdf> 14-

15 [Per J. Mendoza, Second Division]
99
Id.
100
G.R. No. 193100, December 10, 2014
<http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2014/december2014/193100.pdf>
[Per J. Villarama, Jr., Third Division].
101
Id. at 12.
102
Id.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Menguito, 587 Phil. 234, 256 (2008) [Per J. Austria-Martinez, Third
103
Division].
104
Tupaz v. Ulep, 374 Phil. 474, 484 (1999) [Per J. Pardo, First Division].
105
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Reyes, 516 Phil. 176, 190 (2006) [Per C.J. Panganiban, First
106
Division]
107
Rollo, p. 33.
108
Id. at 34.
109
TAX CODE, sec. 222(a).
110
TAX CODE, sec. 203 provides:
Section 203. Period of Limitation Upon Assessment and Collection. - Except as provided in Section 222,
internal revenue taxes shall be assessed within three (3) years after the last day prescribed by law for the
filing of the return, and no proceeding in court without assessment for the collection of such taxes shall be
begun after the expiration of such period: Provided, That in a case where a return is filed beyond the period
prescribed by law, the three (3)-year period shall be counted from the day the return was filed. For
purposes ofthis Section, a return filed before the last day prescribed by law for the filing thereof shall be
considered as filed on such last day.
111
157 Phil. 510 (1974) [Per J. Esguerra, First Division].
112
TAX CODE, sec. 222(a) provides:
(a) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade tax or of a failure to file a return, the tax
may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment,
at any time within ten years after the discovery of the falsity, fraud or omission.
Aznar v. Court of Tax Appeals, 157 Phil. 510 (1974) [Per J. Esguerra, First Division].
113
114
Id. at 523.
115
Id. at 523.
116
Id.
117
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Ayala Securities Corp., 162 Phil. 287, 296 (1976) [Per J. Esguerra,
First Division].
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Air India, 241 Phil. 689, 698 (1988) [Per J. Gancayco, First
118
Division].

119
120
Id.
121
Id.
122
Id.
123
Id. at 38.
124
Id. at 39.
125
Id. Regala admitted that "[i]n their memorandum report, they recommended the filing of a civil case for
the collection of petitioner's tax liabilities and a criminal case, for its failure to declare in its ITR for the year
1995 the income derived from its cited sales. Thus, the BIR's filing of a criminal case against petitioner with
the Department of Justice (DOJ). The witness confirmed that the gathered information did not indicate that
petitioner's failure to state in its ITR its income and sales for the year 1995 was deliberate. The instant case
was precipitated by the issuance of the Letter of Authority on May 13, 2002." (Emphasis supplied)
126
Id.
127
Division].
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Pascor Realty and Development Corporation, 368 Phil. 714, 722
128
(1999) [Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].
129
Tupaz v. Ulep, 314 Phil. 474, 484 (1999) [Per J. Pardo, First Division]; Commissioner of Internal Revenue
v. Menguito, 587 Phil. 234, 256 (2008) [Per J. Austria-Martinez, Third Division].
Tupaz v. Ulep, 314 Phil. 474, 484 (1999) [Per J. Pardo, First Division].
130
131
Division].
132
Id.
133
Id.
134
Id.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Pascor Realty and Development Corporation, 368 Phil. 714, 722
135
(1999) (Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].
Adamson v. Court of Appeals, 606 Phil. 27, 44 (2009) [Per C.J. Puno, First Division].
136
Rollo, p. 13, Petition for Review.

137
138
139
Id.
140
Id. at 46.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. BASF Coating + Inks Phils., Inc., G.R. No. 198677, November 26,
141
2014
[Per Justice Peralta, Third Division]
142
Id.
143
Id.

144
Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. BASF Coating + Inks Phils., Inc., G.R. No. 198677, November 26,
145
2014
[Per Justice Peralta, Third Division]
146
Id. at 9-10, Petition for Review, citing Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Algue, Inc., 241 Phil. 829
(1988) [Per J. Cruz, First Division].
147
Id.

Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Petitioner, V. Fitness by Design, Inc., Respondent.

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Petitioner, V. Fitness by Design, Inc., Respondent.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

G.R. No. 215957, November 09, 2016 - COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v.

G.R. No. 215957, November 09, 2016

COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Petitioner, v. FITNESS BY DESIGN, INC., Respondent.

FINAL ASSESSMENT NOTICE

March 17, 2004

FITNESS BY DESIGN, INC

Assessment No. __________

Tax Due (35%) 2,504,717.63

Value Added Tax

DST due (2/200) 3,750.00

Deficiency DST P 4,687.50

SO ORDERED.31 (Emphasis in the original) Cha nRobles Vi rtua lawlib rary

The Petition has no merit.

Section 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment and Collection of Taxes. -

The disputed Final Assessment Notice is not a valid assessment.

Carpio, (Chairperson), Brion, and Del Castillo, JJ., concur.

Section 222. Exceptions as to Period of Limitation of Assessment and Collection of Taxes.

(e) When an article locally purchased or imported by an exempt person,

BIR Revenue Reg. No. 12-99, sec. 3.1.4 provides:

SECTION 3. Due Process Requirement in the Issuance of a Deficiency Tax Assessment

In case the taxpayer elects and is qualified to report the gain by

No registration of any document transferring real property shall be

2016 <sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/april2016/215534.pdf> 7 [Per J.

BIR Revenue Reg. No. 18-2013, sec. 2 provides:

Mendoza, Second Division].

2016 <http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/april2016/215534.pdf> 14-

Rollo, p. 37, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision.

(1999) [Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].

(1999) (Per J. Panganiban, Third Division].

Rollo, p. 13, Petition for Review.

Rollo, p. 47, Court of Tax Appeals En Banc Decision.

You might also like